If it's stupid enough, the effects will last that long. And a gambling man might hope the party that just got a toe in the door would get the blame: there are some pols who'd just as soon crash the economy now, and hope to blame the Tea Party GOP later.

"I saw to what extent the people among whom I lived could be trusted as good neighbors and friends; that their friendship was for summer weather only; that they did not greatly propose to do right; that they were a distinct race from me by their prejudices and superstitions."